Hilton Honors American Express cards have welcome offers of up to 165,000 points

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The time to plan your 2023 trip has come. Fortunately, redeeming points for hotel stays can help contain the price of a trip, and whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to top up your balance, American Express wants to help. Through April 5, 2023, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and American Express Card offer increased welcome bonuses that can save a large chunk of your travel expenses. And no matter where you choose to vacation, there’s likely to be a Hilton hotel nearby that fits your needs.

Here’s a look at the latest offerings; Also, some ideas on how to put the Hilton Points you’ve earned to good use.

Hilton Honors American Express business card

The offer: Small business owners can earn 165,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of card membership.

Other Benefits: The card offers an opportunity to earn a reward for a weekend night’s sleep after you load $15,000 onto the card in a calendar year, and if you spend an additional $45,000 in the same period, you can make it two . And like the Surpass, it confers Hilton Honors Gold status, which you can convert to Diamond by spending $40,000 on the card over the course of a calendar year. The card also includes 10 visits to the Priority Pass airport lounge per year (registration required, conditions apply).

The Business Card earns you 12 Honors points per dollar on qualifying purchases made directly at a Hilton hotel or resort; six points per dollar at US gas stations, US mail order purchases, wireless service purchased directly from US carriers, flights booked directly with airlines or AmEx Travel, rental cars booked directly with select car rental companies and at US restaurants; and three points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $95 (see pricing and fees)

Hilton Honors American Express card

The offer: New cardmembers can earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 within the first six months of card membership.

Other Benefits: The card comes with entry-level Hilton Honors Silver Elite status, but you can progress from that status through to Gold status after spending $20,000 on your card in a calendar year. You’ll also earn seven Honors points per dollar on qualifying purchases made directly at a Hilton hotel or resort. five points per dollar at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations; and three points per dollar on all other eligible purchases (conditions apply).

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)

How to spend your welcome bonus

You’ll get the best value for your points at bucket-list hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, where rooms routinely cost $1,000 a night or more. However, since these hotels can charge anywhere from 95,000 to 125,000 points per night for a standard room, unless you’ve already accumulated a large stash of Hilton points, you’ll spend almost an entire day traveling just for a stay at a resort only night. Instead, try some of these options a little closer to home.

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

If you like more snow than sun, redeem your welcome bonus for a few nights at the Hilton Whistler. For 80,000 points a night, you’re in a great position to hit the slopes—and save over $600 a night in cash. If you’re planning a summer getaway, you can hike and mountain bike about 30 miles of hiking trails or down the resort’s two golf courses — with a stop at the spa after an adventurous day outdoors, of course.

Hilton Puerto Vallarta

How does a free stay become even more free? By using points at an all-inclusive hotel. Hilton Puerto Vallarta is one such location, where standard rooms cost about $464 or 70,000 points per night during peak travel times. Pro tip: The resort has a newer adults-only site called Hacienda, and while these rooms have higher point rates, you might be able to upgrade thanks to the elite status that comes with your card.

Use your welcome bonus points to book a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea.

Brandon Kile

Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea

Hawaii’s Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea has rooms that cost around $600 to $700 cash and charge 95,000 points per night, which means you’ll need to earn some extra Honors points with your new card on top of the welcome bonus if you want to stay for more than one night. However, the resort’s stunning ocean views, swim-up bar, and 50,000-square-foot spa will make your stay worth the price.

Hilton Anchorage

To experience some of America’s most spectacular natural scenery up close, consider using the Hilton Anchorage as a base for a trip to Alaska. The hotel is within walking distance to many area attractions and a short drive to hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, ATV and more. For 50,000 points per night, you can snag a room that would normally cost more than $400 — and many nights close to $500 — during the summer peak season.

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our credit card product coverage. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Rates and fees for all American Express cards listed: Hilton Honors card; Hilton Honors store.